Chris Mortensen of ESPN was the first to report that receiver Terrell Owens may have had recent surgery for a torn ACL.  The 37-year-old Owens will be a free agent when the lockout ends, and he's said that he intends to play this season.  With serious rehab, Owens could be ready to play again in about six months, but may be out of action for good.  The question is has the time come for T.O. to hang-up his cleats permanently?

The wide receiver / reality-TV star turns 38 on December 7, but he has been productive in recent years, including 72 receptions for 983 yards and nine touchdowns in an injury-shortened 2010 season for the Cincinnati Bengals.  But just how much gas is left in the tank?  Let's take a look at some other notable receivers and what they did in their career beginning in the season in which they turned 38 years old:

Jerry Rice – it isn't fair to compare anyone to Rice, the all-time greatest wide receiver in NFL history.  Rice's numbers from age 38 until retirement are better than many younger players in their entire career.  In 81 games, Rice had 343 receptions, 4,453 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns.

Randy Moss – arguably one of the top three receivers all-time is only 34 years old, but may not play a single down by age 38.

Cris Carter – never played a game at age 38+

Michael Irvin – never played a game at age 38+

Marvin Harrison – never played a game at age 38+

James Lofton – never played a game at age 38+

I think you get my point.  Currently, Owens ranks fifth all time in receptions with 1,078 behind Jerry Rice, Marvin Harrison, Cris Carter and Tim Brown. Only Rice has more receiving yards than Owens' 15,934, and Owens is tied with Randy Moss for the second-most receiving touchdowns (153) behind Rice.

Perhaps it is time for Owens to focus on his non-football ventures until he gets the call from Canton?  Thoughts?